Better Than Any Train Ride
A daughter's remembrance91 total reviews
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Ohhhhh, Honey!! This is now twice you've reduced me to uncontrollable tears today. This is just exquisite in every way. I loved getting to experience this beautiful relationship you two had. My goodness! It's as good as life could ever possibly get. I'm so very glad you suggested I read this. xoxox
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2023
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Ohhhhh, Honey!! This is now twice you've reduced me to uncontrollable tears today. This is just exquisite in every way. I loved getting to experience this beautiful relationship you two had. My goodness! It's as good as life could ever possibly get. I'm so very glad you suggested I read this. xoxox
Comment Written 01-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 01-Oct-2023
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Most appreciated, Rachelle...
Difficult to put into words, but I, too, become incredibly emotional when I read that work as well... It was one of those writings that wrote itself. Doesn't happen very often, but I treasure those moments just like I treasured my father... Whew...
Thank you for delving into my portfolio to find it...
I'm going to read it again now as well...although it saddens me to do so...
Thank you again!
diane
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Bittersweet.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
You certainly deserved the win with this one. What a remarkable man and truly he still lives in your heart. I loved Abou Ben Adhem, it was one of the first poems I remember learning.
A dad like yours truly is one in a million, a wise and loving man who surrounded his daughter with love, wisdom, and companionship.
Regards,
Mary
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2021
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You certainly deserved the win with this one. What a remarkable man and truly he still lives in your heart. I loved Abou Ben Adhem, it was one of the first poems I remember learning.
A dad like yours truly is one in a million, a wise and loving man who surrounded his daughter with love, wisdom, and companionship.
Regards,
Mary
Comment Written 09-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2021
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Oh, Mary!
You found it!
I just read it again today; could barely get through it...
But I'll let you in on a little truth: my husband of nearly 42 years is just like him! I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I thank God everyday...
Thank you,
diane
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I am so happy for you to have two gems among so many stones. While I loved my dad, he had many flaws. But I also was lucky in finding and marrying a gem.
Regards,
Mary
Comment from ChuckB
Hey, there. I enjoyed reading your story, although as a avid train buff I was disappointed you never got to take it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it. A well-told tale indeed. Chuck
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2019
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Hey, there. I enjoyed reading your story, although as a avid train buff I was disappointed you never got to take it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it. A well-told tale indeed. Chuck
Comment Written 19-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2019
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Hello Chuck!
So pleased you enjoyed!
I would have loved to ride a train with my father as well...
Thank you for your excellent rating and review!
diane
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I didn't know what Nehi was so I wikipedia'd it and it's RC Cola now. That's cool. I have tears in my eyes. I can't play cards but my dad taught me how to sit outside, look at the clouds, and just enjoy life. I'm so glad you were able to have that time with your dad. He's always with you my friend
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2019
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I didn't know what Nehi was so I wikipedia'd it and it's RC Cola now. That's cool. I have tears in my eyes. I can't play cards but my dad taught me how to sit outside, look at the clouds, and just enjoy life. I'm so glad you were able to have that time with your dad. He's always with you my friend
Comment Written 19-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2019
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Hello!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
Such wonderful memories.
So pleased my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from LisaMay
Your father may have died more than 11 years ago, but while you have memory your memories will stay strong of this wonderful man. My relationship with my own father was very similar: he, too, was a 'humble and gentle man'. This scene could have been a memory from my own background:
'Sitting by a laughing fire on cold winter evenings after the supper dishes had been washed and put away, he would graciously introduce me to his most treasured friends.'
My father's books were different to yours, but the impact would have been the same. Aren't we lucky to have these men in our lives, and their lingering memories. Your story is a wonderful homage.
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2019
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Your father may have died more than 11 years ago, but while you have memory your memories will stay strong of this wonderful man. My relationship with my own father was very similar: he, too, was a 'humble and gentle man'. This scene could have been a memory from my own background:
'Sitting by a laughing fire on cold winter evenings after the supper dishes had been washed and put away, he would graciously introduce me to his most treasured friends.'
My father's books were different to yours, but the impact would have been the same. Aren't we lucky to have these men in our lives, and their lingering memories. Your story is a wonderful homage.
Comment Written 19-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2019
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Good Morning, Lisa!
I am deeply honored by your reception of my offering. My father was and continues to be a huge influence on my life and the lives of my children... Father's Day seemed like an appropriate occasion to share my gratitude and love for my father with my fellow readers and writers...
You and I are definitely lucky to have had the honor of such wonderful role models...
Thank you again for your exceptional rating and thoughtful review. I am truly grateful and humbled...
diane
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Hi Diane... here's an excerpt from a memoir piece I posted earlier in the year (you'll see some similarities in upbringing):
One of my cherished early memories is of my father swinging me into bed while I was hanging upside down in my flannelette nightie as he gripped the hem, up-ended like a sack of spuds, then tucked under the covers and kissed goodnight. He would sit beside my bed and narrate classic old ballads such as The Song of Hiawatha, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow?s 1855 epic poem? ?By the shore of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, At the doorway of his wigwam, In the pleasant Summer morning, Hiawatha stood and waited??
I can still hear Dad?s voice, chanting the cadence hypnotically in the dark.
Another poem he liked to narrate was Alfred, Lord Tennyson?s 1854 epic, The Charge of the Light Brigade? ?Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the Valley of Death rode the six hundred.? Such stirring stuff ? I often couldn?t get to sleep afterwards, so continued reading books under the covers by torchlight. To this day I am an insomniac with a stack of books beside my bed. Being asleep is a waste of time.
Stories by Rudyard Kipling were also mandatory bedtime reading: The Jungle Book (1894) Kim (1901), and the Just So stories (1902). You can tell from these dates which era my father favoured.
Dad also had a wonderful sense of humour. He made up this poem for me when I was little: 'Wouldn?t it be funny to see a little bunny sitting on the dunny, eating bread and honey.' What an indelible memory of my Aussie childhood. Now I can't go into any toilet cubicle without expecting to see a rabbit.
Comment from Dorothy Farrell
Oh Diane, this is so beautifully written and so very moving. The love you had for your father shines through and he sounds like a wonderful dad. This has to be one of the best short, non-fiction pieces I have read on FS.
Your dad called you Diner (Dinah), Dinah, is there anyone finer...... - there's a song about Dinah! LOL! Abou Ben Adhem may his tribe increase, Awoke one night from a deep .......' - that takes me back to my school days. Your story is interesting, moving, well written and a dream to read. Thank you for the read. Warm regards Dorothy xx
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2019
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Oh Diane, this is so beautifully written and so very moving. The love you had for your father shines through and he sounds like a wonderful dad. This has to be one of the best short, non-fiction pieces I have read on FS.
Your dad called you Diner (Dinah), Dinah, is there anyone finer...... - there's a song about Dinah! LOL! Abou Ben Adhem may his tribe increase, Awoke one night from a deep .......' - that takes me back to my school days. Your story is interesting, moving, well written and a dream to read. Thank you for the read. Warm regards Dorothy xx
Comment Written 18-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jun-2019
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Dear Dorothy,
I am beyond honored to receive your warm thoughts and high praise for my offering. My father was and continues to be such a huge influence and part of my life, and the life of my children...
I remember, "Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah..." Perhaps that song was the inspiration for "Diner." Wish I knew for certain...
And "Abou Ben Adhem" = still one of my favorites.
Just so very pleased that my words resonated with you!
Thank you again, Dorothy!
diane
Comment from Mastery
Hi, Diane. I don't know how I missed this the first go round but consider myself lucky to have read it now. It is probably the most beautiful piece I have ever read on this site in my 15 plus years. God bless you, my friend. May your Dad rest in peace forever. X Bob
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Hi, Diane. I don't know how I missed this the first go round but consider myself lucky to have read it now. It is probably the most beautiful piece I have ever read on this site in my 15 plus years. God bless you, my friend. May your Dad rest in peace forever. X Bob
Comment Written 17-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Hello Bob!
Well, you have rendered me nearly speechless! I am thrilled and honored by your rating and positive take on my offering. Thoughts of my father are with me nearly every day, but yesterday, Father's Day, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of him, and I just wanted to share this piece. I seldom read it without becoming emotional. My father was such a gentle, humble man - gifted in so many areas. How very fortunate I was, and still am, to be his daughter.
Thank you again, Bob!
diane
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Bless you, my friend. in my book, "Falling Up The Stairs" you will note, ii had no such father so I admire you and your relationship with yours, Diane.
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Bless you, my friend. in my book, "Falling Up The Stairs" you will note, ii had no such father so I admire you and your relationship with yours, Diane.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
So, somebody's memories came calling this weekend... a beautiful tribute to your dad a veiled revelation of what makes you the unique and beautiful lady that you are! Having a strong father in a daughter's life is such a blessing to an inner strength that cannot be conquered... and I believe you and I are living examples of that, my friend!! :) ;) Maybe one day when I can write about mine without these damn tears that won't stop from yours, we can compare notes.. :) ;) LOL! :) Thanx for sharing! ;) ;) Yvette
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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So, somebody's memories came calling this weekend... a beautiful tribute to your dad a veiled revelation of what makes you the unique and beautiful lady that you are! Having a strong father in a daughter's life is such a blessing to an inner strength that cannot be conquered... and I believe you and I are living examples of that, my friend!! :) ;) Maybe one day when I can write about mine without these damn tears that won't stop from yours, we can compare notes.. :) ;) LOL! :) Thanx for sharing! ;) ;) Yvette
Comment Written 17-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Hello Yvette!
So... you do realize that I wrote this piece in 2008, and regardless, I cannot read it - ever - without "damn tears" flowing as well.
So many wonderful memories.
Never a harsh word.
So proud to be his daughter. I'd give anything to have him still here with us. He would have so loved to be in the midst of my family's comings and goings...
Give your dad and mom an extra hug this week... :)
Thank you again!
"Diner"
Comment from Sally Law
I hope you know what a blessed woman you are to have a father like this gem of a man. He obviously adored you and passed his love for poetry and writing down to you. I am glad to hear you hold fast to your traditions and appreciate them more and more. Train ride or not, you had quite the scenic ride.
All my best,
Sally xo
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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I hope you know what a blessed woman you are to have a father like this gem of a man. He obviously adored you and passed his love for poetry and writing down to you. I am glad to hear you hold fast to your traditions and appreciate them more and more. Train ride or not, you had quite the scenic ride.
All my best,
Sally xo
Comment Written 17-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Hello Sally,
I surely am blessed to have been graced with my father. He was everything I described and more. As is my husband... "Someone" has been watching over me all my life... :)
So pleased you enjoyed my offering and tribute...
Thank you!
diane
Comment from MissMerri
So beautifully composed and a treat to read, Diane. I loved how you used the promised train ride to tie this entire piece neatly together. It is the "red ribbon" running through the whole piece from beginning to end and foreshadowed in the title. It is richly satisfying to come to the end and find the ribbon tied neatly in a bow with the sentence: "Better than any train ride, Diner. Better than any train ride." It could not be more perfect. No wonder it was the contest winner. Congratulations! I'm glad you revived it. I missed it first time around. ~ MM
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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So beautifully composed and a treat to read, Diane. I loved how you used the promised train ride to tie this entire piece neatly together. It is the "red ribbon" running through the whole piece from beginning to end and foreshadowed in the title. It is richly satisfying to come to the end and find the ribbon tied neatly in a bow with the sentence: "Better than any train ride, Diner. Better than any train ride." It could not be more perfect. No wonder it was the contest winner. Congratulations! I'm glad you revived it. I missed it first time around. ~ MM
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Good Morning, Adonna!
I am thrilled and honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
My father was such a humble man whose caring and guidance impacts me to this very day.
So very pleased you enjoyed.
Thank you again!
diane
